The Mariners agreed to terms with supplemental rounder Taijuan Walker, according to the team. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports adds (via Twitter) that Walker will receive a bonus of $800K. Soon after the Mariners selected Walker with the 43rd overall pick in the draft, it became apparent that he would sign before long. The high school right-hander told reporters that he wanted to get started right away.
Mariners amateur scouting director Tom McNamara said in a prepared statement that Walker has an "above-average fastball and a high ceiling," potentially as a "top-of-the-rotation type of pitcher." Baseball America ranked Walker 70th among draft-eligible players and noted that he has "taken off" since he began focusing on his pitching.
Walker becomes the ninth player drafted in the supplemental round to come to terms with his team; you can check out the complete list here.
TVReviewsion
Awesome!
ellisburks
I am sorry but Taijuan is not a real name.
bustercherrie
I beg to differ, a name can be anything. Who says someone has to be named Joe, Sue, Mary or John.
Ian_Smell
I’d like to see a baseball player named “Mary.”
bustercherrie
How about “a boy named Sue”
aap212
You need to watch Louis CK’s “Why” bit.
ellisburks
“Ladies and Gentlemen” please!
Bobby
Nice, I hope Walker reaches his potential, same goes for Robles.
damnitsderek
The more I read about this kid, the more I like the pick. Hopefully the Mariners get some good value out of their only (technical) first rounder this year.
Rayna Nicole
i know taijuan he is my buddy! he is a great guy i am so happy for him! 😀